Wet weather and slick roads, drivers urged to slow down while traveling

TULARE COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- Slick roads across the valley floor due to recent rainfall have local agencies and residents encouraging drivers to slow down.

"With wet roads, you have less time because you have less friction on the road. You need to increase the distance between yourself and the vehicle in front of you," explains Officer Nathan Berry with the Visalia Police Department.

Officer Berry says with the recent rain, there is an increased risk for crashes.

According to the California Highway Patrol, by one in the afternoon on Friday there were about 14 reported crashes in Tulare County.

LIVE UPDATES: Winter storm to impact Central CA for several days

That is double the same time period the day before.

"We see a lot of accidents, and it slows down traffic. It really is disruptive but most of all its injuries that can happen so it's a serious matter to take into consideration," expresses Eddie Falcon, a local and employee at AMPM on Betty Drive and HWY 99.

Eddie encourages people to drive with caution, "Slow down, it's not worth it you're going to end up getting hurt or you're gonna hurt somebody else, slow down."

It's a message the Visalia Police Department echoes, "Whatever you are doing or however you are driving, just remember that someone out there cares for you and they want you to get to your destination safely, it's more important to be there in one piece than it is to be in a rush," explains Officer Berry.

He also reminds people not to drive through flood water, "The biggest area of concern with flooding is typically areas where you have a lot of old growth, so you get a lot of debris, leaves, branches that clog up the gutters. That is probably the area of greatest concern but no matter what standing water people should slow down and if at all possible avoid driving through."

Another tip is making sure your vehicle is winter ready and if you see a flooded roadway reach out to your local agencies.

For South Valley news updates, follow Kassandra Gutierrez on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.